GAUTENG PREMIER SHOULD FIRE DEFIANT OFFICIAL

The DA welcomes the announcement by Gauteng Transport MEC, Ismail Vadi, that head of department Benedicta Monama is on a ‘leave of absence' (see Star report).

However, Monama's reported direct defiance of MEC Vadi and the Gauteng Treasury in signing an illegal R3bn contract with WestPoint Trading is grounds for summary dismissal.

The contract was for 10 years to run driver licensing testing centres across Gauteng.

The problem is that only the Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane, has the authority to fire her.

Despite the MEC's good work in uncovering blatant improprieties in his department he lacks the authority to dismiss Monama.

I trust the Premier will make good on her promise regarding zero tolerance of corruption by dismissing Monama without a golden handshake.

All too often officials are allowed to resign and they just move on to another province or department to continue with their nefarious deeds.

The Premier must now act to show that her promises on corruption are not simply empty threats.

Statement issued by Dr. Neil Campbell, MPL, DA Gauteng Roads And Transport Spokesperson, July 4 2011

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